The BC Coroners Service has confirmed the identity of a man who died following an avalanche west of Golden on Feb. 21, 2016.

He was Douglas James Churchill, aged 64, of Canmore, Alta.

Mr. Churchill was one of a party of 13 who had travelled to the Esplanade area about 50 kilometres northwest of Golden, to go back country skiing. At about 11 a.m. on Feb. 21, a large avalanche struck, burying several members of the group, including Mr. Churchill.

Other members of the party were able to locate Mr. Churchill shortly afterward and dig him out.  He was transported immediately to Golden Hospital and then airlifted to Foothills Hospital in Calgary, but he died there on Feb. 24, 2016.

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate this death.

The family of Mr. Churchill has been notified of his death. On behalf of family members, the BC Coroners Service asks that the media respect their privacy at this difficult time.